High levels of radiation (many times greater than X-ray levels) can be used to treat vaginal cancer. Special equipment is used to aim radiation at tumors and/or diseased tissue. Pelvic radiation often consists of a combination of internal and external radiation.
Internal radiation treatment (brachytherapy) involves placing tiny radioactive devices into the vagina. Several methods of brachytherapy are used:
Brachytherapy allows for high dosages of radiation that can shorten the treatment time and reduce the need for hospitalization.
For some early stage vaginal cancers, surgical excision is the treatment of choice. Unfortunately, most tumors have advanced beyond this early stage at the time they are diagnosed. The close proximity of the bladder and rectum to the vagina makes surgical resection difficult without removing those organs. This makes radiation therapy preferable in many cases. However, depending on location, some tumors may be treated surgically while still preserving these organs.
At Mayo Clinic, a gynecologic oncologist and a plastic surgeon work as a team to produce results that restore as much anatomy and function as possible. This teamwork is especially important for some vaginal cancer cases, in which surgical reconstruction is necessary to the treatment plan. Surgeons provide a full range of reconstructive surgery procedures, including:
Physicians and staff members spend time with patients to discuss their concerns and expectations and review treatment and reconstruction. Reconstructive surgery techniques at Mayo Clinic can produce cosmetically pleasing and functional results that improve a woman's quality of life.